Meet Wendy & Garrett Berends

Wendy and Garrett Berends, long time Smithers residents, say that the opportunity to purchase the Smithers Guesthouse / B & B “kind of fell into our laps.” It was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up, and when they took over the decade-old business in 2012 they invested in renovating it, updating the decor and adding a hot tub. “It’s a new challenge,” Garrett states, one that they are embracing whole-heartedly. They particularly enjoy meeting the various travellers who come in to stay from places all over Canada and the rest of the world. Many of their guests come for the skiing, the fishing and the hunting and appreciate the fact that the Guesthouse is so close to town (just a five minute walk to shopping) while also near wilderness and Hudson Bay Mountain.

The Berends themselves love Smithers living. “There is nothing about it we don’t like,” Garrett notes. “It has a little bit of everything for everyone.” Garrett and Wendy both like to pursue outdoor activity in their spare time with things like walking, hiking, skiing (downhill and cross country) and taking the family camping. Garrett is also a sports fan and enjoys playing hockey and soccer.

Cozy. Clean. Comfortable.

The Smithers Guesthouse and B & B is the perfect place for Smithers visitors to relax and unwind after a day of skiing, outdoor activity or business. The Guesthouse features five guestrooms plus a common kitchen with stove, refrigerator, oven and microwave and a common living/lounge area with satellite TV, DVD player, library and gas fireplace. Guest laundry and ski/sporting equipment storage area is also available. Guests can unwind on the roomy sundeck or enjoy a soak in the hot tub. Stays are available with or without breakfast.

This project is funded by Northern Development Initiative Trust, an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation throughout central and northern British Columbia. For more information go to northerndevelopment.bc.ca.